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July 2017

Newsjournal of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention N MORE NEWS AT TEXANONLINE.NET

SBC ANNUAL MEETING:

RENEWED COMMITMENT TO PERSONAL EVANGELISM HIGHLIGHTS PHOENIX CONVENTION By Keith Collier Managing Editor

RESOLUTION DENOUNCES ‘ALT-RIGHT WHITE SUPREMACY’ see pg. 10

Language differences strengthen ministry of merged churches By Bonnie Pritchett TEXAN Correspondent

PHOENIX Recognizing a de-

cades-long decline in baptisms reported by Southern Baptist churches, this year’s annual meeting in Phoenix emphasized the need for personal evangelism among pastors and church members. “We need a gospel conversation resurgence,” North American Mission Board President Kevin Ezell told messengers during his convention report. In an effort to encourage and equip churches in personal evangelism, Ezell

said NAMB’s “Three Circles” evangelistic conversation guide app has been downloaded more than 2 million times. He added that 732 new SBC churches were planted in 2016. “We do not plant churches to do evangelism. We plant churches from evangelism,” Ezell said. Church plants, he noted, baptize on average 74 percent more people than existing congregations. SBC President Steve Gaines, pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church near

5 A crosswalk between

two Phoenix Convention Center buildings overlooking downtown Phoenix displays the Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting theme “Pray For Such a Time is This.” PHOTO BY MATT JONES

Memphis, Tenn., delivered his convention sermon from Acts 13:1-12, emphasizing that “every person in this room that knows the Lord Jesus Christ is a minister, a servant of the gospel.” See PHOENIX, 8

LUFKIN For about six years two Lufkin churches have met in the same building— two independent congregations, two different languages but each working toward the same goal. Their kingdom work brought them together for mission trips and local ministries, and instead of letting their language differences act as a barrier, they realized what bound them together was greater than what separated them. Eventually, the two churches who shared the use of one building and ministry work in their community decided to become one congregation. Practically speaking, forming one church made sense. Spiritually speaking, they realized it could make all the difference in the world for the people of Angelina County. “There is no more ‘us’ and ‘them’—what a picture of

See LLH, 7

“A special session was entirely avoidable, and there was plenty of time for the legislature to forge compromises to avoid the time and taxpayer expense of a special session.” — G O V. G R E G A B B O T T

Texas legislature ends in frustration, call for special session By Bonnie Pritchett TEXAN Correspondent AUSTIN

The 85th session of the Texas Legislature gaveled to an end May 29 only to have Gov. Greg Abbott call the lawmakers back for a special session to address unfinished business. The Legislature will reconvene for 30 days beginning July 18 with no less than 20 bills on the call, including SBTC-supported legislation. The regular session ended as tempers flared and civil decorum, by some, died along with several prominent pieces of legislation championed by Christian and conservative legislators. Frustration came to a head on the final day as a Republican memSee LEGISLATURE, 2

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ber of the conservative Texas Freedom Caucus announced on the House floor he had called the Immigration Control and Enforcement (ICE) tip line to report self-proclaimed illegal immigrants protesting in the House gallery. That prompted threats of violence from a Democrat lawmaker. The dustup served to illustrate the fractures between the two parties and draw attention to the growing fissure between conservative and moderate Republicans. In announcing the special session, Abbott scolded the legislators. “A special session was entirely avoidable, and there was plenty of time for the legislature to forge compromises to avoid the time and taxpayer expense of a special session,” he said. Among the bills left languishing in the regulation session that Abbot wants reintroduced are the Women’s Privacy Act, abortion regulation, school choice for special needs children, an extension of the maternal mortality task force and property tax reform. But not all bipartisanship was lost as legislators agreed on a

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long-overdue overhaul of the Department of Family Protective Services, which is facing a lawsuit for its fractured system in which more than 100 children died in 2015 while under its observation or care. And some children removed from their homes under the shadow of abuse or neglect have had to sleep in the offices of Child Protective Services caseworkers due to an inadequate pool of foster families to take them in. Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita Falls, who authored most of the child welfare reform legislation, said it is imperative that churches get involved with the foster and adoption care services. Not everyone can foster or adopt, but all Christians are mandated to care for the widowed and orphaned, Frank said. Legislators moved the Department of Family Protective Services out from under the Health and Human Services Department making it a standalone agency directly accountable to the governor. Another law begins the process of decentralizing the DFPS by creating community-based foster care, where regions across the state will be responsible for recruiting and training prospective foster and adoptive parents. Key reform legislation included passage of a law protecting

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“A special session was entirely avoidable, and there was plenty of time for the legislature to forge compromises to avoid the time and taxpayer expense of a special session.”

But efforts by the caucus, Texas Pastors Council and conservatives across the state could not get the Women’s Privacy Act passed. The bill would have regulated the use of public restrooms and single-sex changing rooms, an effort led by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick — G O V. G R E G A B B O T T that passed handily in the Senate only to die in the House. It passed swiftly along party faith-based foster and adop- took the meat out of the sandtion care agencies from legal wich” according to Rep. Matt lines in the Senate only to arrive challenges to their convictions Schaefer, R-Tyler, a member of in the House where Speaker of regarding partnering with gay the Texas Freedom Caucus. Us- the House Joe Straus refused couples or providing abortions ing procedural maneuvers on to send the bill to a committee. and contraceptives to children par with House leadership, the Without a committee hearing a in their care. caucus “put the teeth back in bill dies. Straus, R-San Antonio, claimed the bill would harm the Abbott also called for and re- the bill.” ceived a ban on sanctuary cities. Schaeffer called that a tip- Texas economy. “One state representative out The legislation does not change ping point in the session. The federal immigration law but caucus—a thorn in the side of of 150 … decided it would not be prohibits governmental entities Democrats and moderate Re- passed,” Dave Welch, director of from creating policies or prac- publicans—realized it could “do the Texas Pastors Council, told tices that flout those laws. an end run around leadership the TEXAN. Social conservatives within The bill’s author, Sen. Charles obstruction.” Perry, R-Lubbock, a member of Cindy Asmussen, advisor to the Republican-controlled legan SBTC-affiliated church, said the SBTC Texas Ethics and Re- islature have, for the past two the law does not target illegal ligious Liberty Committee, said sessions, criticized the control immigrants but stops “officials the caucus provided effective, Straus holds over all legislawho have sworn to enforce the yet limited, pushback to at- tion making its way through law from helping people who tempts to water down legisla- the chamber. Every bill must be appointed to a committee commit terrible crimes evade tion generated in the Senate. immigration detainers.” “They were extremely pro- for review and public debate, Passage of the sanctuary cit- ductive, and had it not been for and only the Speaker has the ies prohibition demonstrated them we would not have had a authority to assign bills to comthe Republican divide in the lot of conservative legislation mittees. He also appoints the Texas House. Once the con- added as amendments, [such as] committee chairman who then tentious bill passed the Senate the dismemberment abortion controls what bills pass out of along party lines, House State ban and church security added committee to the House floor for debate. Affairs committee “basically back in,” Asmussen said.

AMENDMENTS PRODUCE VICTORIES FOR PRO-LIFE ADVOCATES BUT WORK TO CONTINUE IN SPECIAL SESSION By Bonnie Pritchett TEXAN Correspondent

Pro-life bills died in the 85th Texas Legislature before they saw the light of a full debate. Only through procedural back doors did some of the measures pass as amendments, and even those victories did not come with the aid of many pro-life legislators, critics said. However, a special session called by Gov. Greg Abbott could breathe new life into those bills. None of the pro-life bills backed by the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Texas Right to Life, and conservative legislators passed as stand-alone bills. Pro-life advocates entered the bi-annual legislative session on the heels of the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Texas’s 2013 abortion-regulating House Bill 2. Frustrated by procedural maneuvering by House leadership that kept bills from getting a hearing, pro-life advocates used similar tactics to regain some regulatory ground. “We wrangled some successes out of this session despite the leadership, despite efforts to sabotage pro-life wins,” Emily Horne, Texas Right to Life senior legislative associate, told the TEXAN.

AUSTIN

“We wrangled some successes out of this session despite the leadership, despite efforts to sabotage pro-life wins.” —EMILY HORNE, TEXAS RIGHT TO LIFE SENIOR LEGISLATIVE ASSOCIATE

The legislation that finally received Gov. Greg Abbott’s signature increases funding for abortion alternative services, bans dismemberment abortions, enhances abortionist reporting requirements, restricts the handling of post-abortive fetal remains, and bans partial-birth abortion. The latter is already federal law. Texas Right to Life priority legislation included the dismemberment ban, Senate Bill 415, authored by Sen. Charles Perry, R-Lubbock. The bill called for the end of the abortion practice that requires an unborn baby’s body be torn apart before being extracted from the uterus. SB 415 never received a hearing in the House Committee on State Affairs chaired by Rep. Byron Cook, R-Corsicana. Horne said all pro-life legislation died in Cook’s committee. Conservative legislators have criticized House leadership and their control over the fate of

legislation. The House Committee on State Affairs, nicknamed the “committee where bills go to die,” received the pro-life legislation. But Cook refused to allow hearings or a vote on the bills, which prohibited their advancement to the full chamber for debate, Horne said. So pro-life legislators circumvented committee procedures and resurrected their bills in the form of amendments. Horne said pro-life legislators, especially the 12-member Texas Freedom Caucus, played a key role in the victories. Senate Bill 8, which prohibits partial birth abortions and regulates the disposal of fetal remains, served as the host for some of the pro-life amendments, including the dismemberment ban. Cook voted for the dismemberment ban amendment despite his failure to give the measure a hearing in his committee.

A bill requiring physicians to obtain patient or surrogate consent before giving a “Do Not Resuscitate” order failed as did a measure that would have stripped abortion coverage from some insurance policies paid for, in part, with taxpayer funds. But legislators took advantage of the reauthorization of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to insert protective language for pharmacists who refuse to dispense abortifacients. Last year the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case of a family owned pharmacy in Washington whose owners did not want to dispense abortioninducing medications. Despite the fact that 30 pharmacies within a 5-mile radius sold the drug, the high court upheld the

state’s demand that all pharmacists carry the drug regardless of conscience objections. Horne said pro-life legislation that failed to get a hearing during the regular session could get new life in the special session. Pro-life items Abbott wants addressed include insurance reform, prohibitions on taxpayer-funded abortions, abortion reporting requirements, and strengthened “do not resuscitate” orders. Legislators failed to reauthorize the Texas Medical Board, which they are required to do every 1012 years. During the last reauthorization process, Horne said, legislators amended the bill to include a ban on third trimester abortions and the requirement that minors receive parental consent before obtaining an abortion.

July 2017

TEXAS

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SOUTHERN BAPTISTS INFLUENCE ORPHAN CARE REFORM IN TEXAS By Bonnie Pritchett TEXAN Correspondent

than 100 children died in our Child Protective system. You can vote to end that. We can reAUSTIN Southern Baptists’ form the system so that no more history of caring for orphans children die in it.” made them key players in The death of children in child welfare reform during Child Protective Services custhe 85th session of the Texas tody or still in parental custody Legislature. From authoring but under observation is the transformational legislation worst of violations cited by a to advocating for its passage, federal judge last year in a lawSouthern Baptists and their suit brought against the state. pro-family allies worked across Additional grievances include party lines to effect change for children spending nights in CPS Texas children caught up in the offices for lack of available foschild welfare system. ter homes; caseworkers quitting Before a federal judge de- under unbearable caseloads; manded changes in Texas’s and children aging out of the broken Child Welfare System, child welfare system, which oflawmakers and agency person- ten puts them on a path toward nel had been seeking solutions. poverty and incarceration. This session lawmakers hamAbbott demonstrated his demered out legislation that will sire to retain caseworkers in prompt significant restructur- January when he ordered an ing of the Department of Fam- infusion of cash into the DFPS ily Protective Services, give and gave 75 percent of all CPS financial relief to some foster employees a $12,000 a year raise. parents and provide legal proLawmakers then passed and tection to faith-based foster and Abbott signed bipartisan legislaadoption agencies. The changes tion making DFPS a stand-alone are desperately needed within agency accountable directly to the the agency that has come under governor. The agency currently severe criticism for failing the operates under the Department of children it is sworn to protect. Health and Human Services. “You will cast thousands of Rep. James Frank, R-Wichita votes this session. Few will in- Falls, who authored the bill, said volve life or death decisions,” the law allows the governor and Gov. Greg Abbott told legisla- department leadership to cut tors in his January State of the through bureaucratic red tape and State address. “Your vote on CPS address critical issues expeditiousis one of them. Last year, more ly. His family recently adopted

ers insisted the bill is essential for keeping those agencies in the system. Without them the already shallow pool of foster care families will continue to dry up. Ironically, a bill encouraging faith-based entities to actively participate in the recruitment and support of foster care families unanimously passed the Sen— R E P. J A M E S F R A N K , R - W I C H I TA F A L L S ate (A record of House vote is not available.). The faith-based foster two grade-school-aged brothers recruiting and training system and adoption care protection law giving him a personal investment called community-based care. also protects those agencies the in the system’s overhaul. Fifty percent of children re- state is asking to more actively Frank, a member of a South- moved from their homes by CPS engage in the system. ern Baptist Church, noted that end up in the homes of a relaAnd that is the best way the biggest changes in the sys- tive. Unlike foster families who churches and Christians can tem must come from within the take in the children of strang- hold the state accountable in its department, and the decision to ers and receive financial sup- care of orphans. bring the agency out from under port from the state, kinship care “Get involved in the system,” the auspices of a HHS can force families receive a one-time out- Frank told the TEXAN. “Few if and encourage that change. lay of about $1,000. They will any constituents ask their repA bill authored by Sen. now receive a monthly stipend, resentatives about how Child Charles Schwertner, R-George- less than the other foster fami- Protective Services are doing. town, takes the role of foster lies, to help defray expenses. The church should ask its electcare recruitment and trainOne reform measure that re- ed officials, ‘How are you doing ing out of Austin and puts it in ceived pushback from Demo- taking care of the least of these?’ the hands of the communities crats gives faith-based adoption By and large most constituwhere the foster children come and foster care agencies legal ents ask about taxes and other from. According to the legis- protection for their religiously- things. You hold [legislators] aclative analysis the law gives grounded policies that prohibit countable by asking about it.” “greater authority and account- them from partnering with marOne of the faith-based organiability to local communities to ried same-sex couples or indi- zations that will benefit from the positively affect foster care chil- viduals or providing abortions protections is Texas Baptist Home dren in their community.” or contraceptives to young girls for Children, affiliated with the Decentralizing the system in their care. SBTC. Families and churches inwill follow the successful patEstimates indicate up to 25 terested in information on foster tern of Tarrant County, which percent of all Texas foster and care and adoption can contact over the past three years has adoption care agencies are faith- TBHC by visiting tbhc.org or calloperated its own regionalized based. Frank and other support- ing (972) 937-1321.

“The church should ask its elected officials, ‘How are you doing taking care of the least of these?’ By and large most constituents ask about taxes and other things. You hold [legislators] accountable by asking about it.”

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OPINION

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RESOLUTIONS: THE HEART OF SOUTHERN BAPTISTS IN BRIEF Gary Ledbetter Editor

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first attended the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in 1982, early in the days of the Conservative Resurgence. The next few years saw some of our bestattended and most contentious meetings. In those days, news media from everywhere descended on our meeting sites, trying to figure out who we are and what we’re doing. They mostly failed; we are notoriously hard to understand. Then and now, the aspect of convention business most comprehensible to non-Baptist observers is the resolutions. It is here that the heart of the messengers is most plainly expressed. The emphasis among outsiders always tends toward topics the reporters already understand: boycotts, political issues, moral outrage and the like. We were often ridiculed for our moralizing, but I’m not embarrassed to have been a part of those votes. Outsiders who would understand Southern Baptists would do well to read the resolutions year by

year, even the “boring” ones. Resolutions are our best effort to discern the times, and to address with positive effect needs and trends of our churches and our neighbors. Our 2017 slate of resolutions is a fine example of how our denominational heart is expressed. Consider the 10 resolutions passed during our 2017 meeting in Phoenix. On Prayer: Here we see a call to personal and corporate devotion. Prayer is recommended as the command of God and the power for our ministry. Baptists are mystics who believe that the invisible Maker of the universe works through the prayers of his people. On the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation: While not Protestants, Baptists are nonetheless children of the revolution of the 16th century. The radical return to biblical authority and salvation by grace through faith caused millions to stumble and millions of believers to rejoice in the centuries that followed. Surprisingly, the theological issues of the 16th century arise in our day. On the 100th Anniversary of the SBC Executive Committee: This committee is our “decently and in order” body. Our ances-

tors organized for growth, believing that God can bless those who plan. Southern Baptists are grateful for those who built the foundations of our modern work, and we are reminded of our obligation to future generations who will build on our current efforts. On University Ministry: Our “comprehensive approach to evangelism and discipleship” must include university campuses. It is here that our culture is most crucially engaged with the gospel. Southern Baptists are on mission for the lost in the most difficult places imaginable. On the Necessity of Penal Substitutionary Atonement: The most basic elements of Christian doctrine must be reemphasized when some who call themselves Baptist deny them. This resolution cites Scripture 20 times. Baptists know that biblical theology undergirds our missionary work. There is no gospel ministry if we do not know the gospel. On Defunding Planned Parenthood and On the Sin of Gambling: These two resolutions are purely prophetic. The language here is sharp as the convention addresses mercenaries who would seduce their

neighbors into self-destructive evil. Both of these resolutions also address our political leaders, asking them to protect the innocent. Southern Baptists work and lobby on behalf of the common good. On the Importance of Moral Leadership: Some will read this resolution and see a criticism of only those with whom they disagree; but it’s intentionally not written that way. This resolution calls all of us to the high standards of the God who appoints kings, pastors and church members. Southern Baptists are committed to personal holiness, starting with ourselves but reaching outward to the most powerful among us. Because we have a biblical understanding of holy God and fallen man, we know that we are susceptible to temptation. We also know that God is the judge of all men. On Appreciation: We always include a resolution thanking the host city and its churches. Writing thank you notes is basic though uncommon courtesy, an expression of gratitude for the way God provides through other people. We roll into town after thousands have prepared the way for us. The work falls

heavily on a smaller state convention, like Arizona. Southern Baptists, on our best days, appreciate the kindness and generosity of those who serve us. On the Anti-Gospel of Alt Right White Supremacy: Another prophetic word but also one that speaks to those within our fellowship who hold racist attitudes. This is a great example of a snapshot of our current year. Issues, even groups, become prominent and in this case, toxic. This is the convention taking a timely stand. Southern Baptists believe, to quote President Steve Gaines, “There is one race, and that is the human race.” Every year’s slate of resolutions is unique to the convention seated for that meeting, but this year’s slate is not atypical. This report touches the issues of the day, even though those issues may be unique to a particular time. Resolutions are important as a record, not of our actions so much as our denominational mind year by year. Those from inside and outside our fellowship who would ask “What happened at the SBC this year?” will have a pretty good answer if they’ll start by reading the resolutions.

My Card… Diana Davis Fresh Ideas

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he young mom ahead of you in the grocery line chats about her toddlers, and you mention your church’s awesome kids’ classes and couples’ Bible study. She’s interested, so you give her your card and say, “Here’s my email. Let me know if you’d like to come on Sunday, and I’ll meet you at the entrance.” A personal card can turn a casual conversation into a sincere offer of friendship or assistance. It personalizes a spontaneous invitation to church and

may open a door to share Jesus with someone who doesn’t yet know him. You can do this. Here’s an inexpensive, simple, effective tool for a Christian. Go to an online or local print shop and design a personal card. It’s simply a business card with your personal info, such as name, email and phone. Select colors and graphics to reflect your own style. If you like, add a favorite Scripture, quote or URL to the plan of salvation. Next, work intentionally to make a habit of keeping cards with you at all times. It’s in your pocket or backpack, your phone case, handbag, diaper bag, workout bag, beach bag. Whether you’re inside, outside,

Jim Richards, Executive Director

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Gary K. Ledbetter, Editor Keith Collier, Managing Editor Tammi Ledbetter, Special Assignments Editor Gayla Sullivan, Circulation Manager Russell Lightner, Layout/Graphic Artist

at work or play, you consistently keep a card within reach. Ask God to make you keenly aware of people around you who need friendship, help, encouragement or an invitation to church. Give away several cards every week for the purpose of representing Jesus. Jot a note, like “Praying!” or an appropriate Scripture reference. Or say, “Feel free to call if I can ever help you.” You’ll find dozens of ways to use that little card, but here are some ideas to get you started: u Anytime you’re waiting in line, realize that God placed you there. At the post office, the doctor’s waiting room, the amusement park, bus stop, checkout

Correspondents: JC Davies Michael Foust Bonnie Pritchett Erin Roach Jane Rodgers

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line. Get your card ready and begin a conversation. u To personalize a conversation with newcomers at worship, small group, women’s ministry or church events, share a card. If you teach preschoolers, give a card to parents. When visiting a sick or grieving person, leave a card. u Keep a card ready to share during leisure activities. At the library, the park, a concert, a festival, the ballpark. Walking. Gathering shells on the beach. At the kids’ karate practice or play date. u Intentionally get to know your neighbors. Speak as they walk by when you’re outdoors. Meet newcomers. Attend homeowners meetings or neighborhood events.

u Share a card in everyday conversations—while getting a haircut, a bagel, a prescription; eating out; as you take a coffee break, go to your club, a garage sale, community meeting, or volunteer activities. Then, when that young mom from the grocery emails you, connect her with members of the couples’ class. Follow up, be a friend and introduce her to Jesus. It’s amazing how God can use something as seemingly insignificant as a personal card in the hands of a Christian to impact eternity. You can do this. Get a card! “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.” (Colossians 4:5)

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July 2017

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THE DOG DAYS OF ADVERSITY Jim Richards Executive Director

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e are in the “dog days of summer,” an ancient expression that was based on an astrological movement of stars and represented the hottest period of the year. The span of time varies in different cultures but basically begins sometime in July and ends in late August or September. Last month I was in Phoenix for a week at the Southern Baptist Convention. I think Arizona got a jump on the dog days of summer. Dog days gives me the connotation of being uncomfortable. There are a lot of things in life that make us uncomfortable. Recently I was interviewed for a video by “For the Church” from Midwestern

Baptist Theological Seminary on the question “What difficult thing in your life has taught you the most?” In answering that question I realized it was one challenge that has played out in numerous seasons of my life. Constant adversity has been my companion throughout my ministry. Shortly after I was saved, I answered God’s call to preach. I went to a Baptist college, where I was confronted with theological liberalism for the first time. Some professors denied the virgin birth, the bodily resurrection and the exclusivity of salvation in Christ. More than once I contested with them about their positions. It did not end well for me; I was asked to leave the school. At that moment I had to decide whether I was going to believe the Bible to be inerrant. In the crucible of adversity, my life’s ministry was shaped.

CONSTANT ADVERSITY HAS BEEN MY COMPANION THROUGHOUT MY MINISTRY. God blessed the second church where I pastored. We saw people come to Christ, and the church grew. Those who were in the power structure resented losing their place to the new people. I was voted out as pastor, but I could not quit. God had called me to preach. There are too many street corners in America for me not to preach even if a church wouldn’t have me. When the Conservative Resurgence got in motion, I was already on the train. Actively working to see change in my state convention, I was attacked by denominational leadership.

A preacher delivering the convention sermon brought a message that included a denunciation of me and my efforts. I love being a “convention Baptist,” but if I had to lose my future involvement because of my stand for the Word of God, so be it. Then in 1998 I was called to serve the churches of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. There were a number of untrue statements made about me and the convention. One state paper editor wrote an article calling me “a liar, a hypocrite and a horse thief.” He said I was “stealing”

churches and institutions. I admit I have lied in my life. I admit I have been hypocritical in my life. But I have never been a horse thief. You know what they do to horse thieves in Texas. Staying positive and looking forward to pushing the gospel to those who need it has to be the focus. We all want to be loved and accepted. We should never give people a reason to criticize our spirit or attitude toward them. Even when we stand for truth in a Christ-like way we will be criticized. God taught me that he would be faithful. All he asks of me is to obey. Adversity should never make us bitter; it should make us better. The dog days of summer may be uncomfortable, but fall is on its way. Relief will be here soon. When you go through adversity, remember God’s Spirit will see you through. Jesus is there all along the way.

The Single Greatest Crisis of Our Day Nathan Lino

SBTC President Pastor, Northeast Houston Baptist Church

What would you say is the greatest crisis that we face in the world? Poverty? Hunger? Terrorism? Racism? Religious Liberty? Actually, the single greatest crisis of our day is that there are human beings who are not Christians. The crisis is so great, in fact, that there are actually entire people groups that still

DEADLINE FOR SBTC COMMITTEE/BOARD NOMINATIONS The Committee on Nominations is receiving nomination forms to fill upcoming vacancies on the SBTC Executive Board and committees. Nomination forms

have not heard the gospel one single time. This is by far the single greatest crisis of our day. Let me be clear about what I mean. It is of far greater consequence for one person to be saved than for all of Africa to be cured of its AIDS epidemic. It is of far greater consequence for one person to be saved than the cure for all cancers to be found. It is of far greater consequence for one person to be saved than for homelessness or world hunger to be solved. Lostness is a far greater crisis than racial brokenness, the displaced refugee crisis, terrorism, millions of babies being aborted, human trafficking, and orphans in need of adoption. If someone dies in their lost state, they burn in hell forever. “For the wages of sin is [eternal] death ...” (Romans 6:23) Recently, a friend went to the ER with an intolerable headache and discovered he

has a brain tumor. Now, let’s be clear, the headache was intolerable. So much so, surgeons performed emergency surgery in which they cut open his skull and drained fluid to provide relief in order that he could live with any quality of life. The headache was a major problem that needed significant attention. But, nonetheless, the headache was a symptom of the tumor. At all times, the doctors and my friend have been clear that the greater crisis at hand is the tumor. As we see many symptoms of brokenness in our culture today, let’s not lose sight of the root cause. Social injustices are the intolerable headache; lostness is the tumor. One is a serious symptom; the other is the heart of the problem. I have led my church to be involved in social justice issues including sanctity of human life, religious liberty, refugee ministry, immigration

ministry, orphan care, hunger and more. And I am really proud of my members who are personally involved in these ministries. Out of our love and allegiance to Christ, we love our neighbors as we love ourselves; all of the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments. But none of this changes the fact that the single greatest need of our culture is evangelism and missions. Yes, we still address the symptoms of lost-

can be completed online or downloaded at sbtexas.com/ nominations. The deadline to receive nomination forms is August 1, 2017. The vacancies to be filled are as follows: Executive Board – 18 vacancies (4 eligible for renomination). Note: The composition of the Executive

Board is based on certain considerations: 1) one-fourth (1/4) of the membership must be laypersons, 2) one-fourth (1/4) of the membership, at the time of election, must be a member of a church of 400 or less in resident membership, 3) at least five (5) representatives from each quadrant of the state. Missions Committee – 4

vacancies; Evangelism Committee – 4 vacancies; Church Ministries Committee – 3 vacancies; Texas Ethics and Religious Liberty Committee – 3 vacancies; Pastor/Church Relations Committee – 2 vacancies; Credentials Committee – 1 vacancy; Committee on Order of Business – 2 vacancies.

YES, WE STILL ADDRESS THE SYMPTOMS OF LOSTNESS IN OUR CULTURE, BUT OUR PRIORITY MUST BE THE HEART OF THE PROBLEM—LOSTNESS. ness in our culture, but our priority must be the heart of the problem—lostness. As leaders of churches, we must regularly clarify in the minds of our people the symptoms of brokenness from the root cause, lest they become confused. Though we lead our churches to help provide culture with relief from social injustices, above all else let us prioritize and emphasize the actual sharing of the Good News with unbelievers.

Also: Criswell College Board – 3 vacancies (all eligible for renomination); Jacksonville College – 1 vacancy (eligible for renomination); Texas Baptist Home for Children – 2 vacancies (all eligible for renomination); Southern Baptists of Texas Foundation – 4 vacancies (2 eligible for renomination).

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Seize kids because parents oppose homosexuality? Ontario’s legislature passed a law in June that critics say would allow the government to seize children from parents who hold biblical beliefs on homosexuality. Bill 89, also known as the Supporting

BRIEFS Bernie Sanders blasts core tenet of Christianity

Constitution,” Moore said. “No religious test shall ever be required of those seeking public office.”

U.S. Sen. and former presidential candidate Bernie Sanders raised eyebrows in early June when he implied that Trump administration nominee Russell Vought should not be approved because of his views on salvation. Vought, Trump’s nominee for deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, is a Christian and graduate of Wheaton College. Sanders cited a 2016 blog post by Vought in which he said Muslims “stand condemned” because they have rejected Jesus. “I don’t know how many Muslims there are in America. I really don’t know, probably a couple million. Are you suggesting that all of those people stand condemned?” Sanders asked during a Senate confirmation hearing. “What about Jews? Do they stand condemned too? I understand that Christianity is the majority religion. But there are other people who have different religions in this country and around the world. In your judgment, do you think that people who are not Christians are going to be condemned?” Vought responded, “I’m a Christian, and I believe in a Christian set of principles based on my faith.” Russell D. Moore, president of the SBC’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, said Sanders crossed the line. “Even if one were to excuse Senator Sanders for not realizing that all Christians of every age have insisted that faith in Jesus Christ is the only pathway to salvation, it is inconceivable that Sen. Sanders would cite religious beliefs as disqualifying an individual for public office in defiance of the United States

—Christianity Today/Baptist Press

New Tebow book seeks to encourage homeschoolers Former NFL player and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow says in a new book that the personalized guidance of homeschooling played a significant role in his eventual success as an athlete. In Know Who You Are. Live Like It Matters.: A Homeschooler’s Interactive Guide to Discovering Your True Identity, the former Florida Gator relays a series of lessons aimed at homeschoolers from his perspective.

“I wanted to encourage [homeschoolers] because these years are such impressionable times,” Tebow, now a minor league baseball player and SEC Network commentator, said in a news release. “I want these students to know that I went through what they are going through. They matter. God has a plan for them.” Tebow provides moral and ethical advice in each lesson, illustrating principles with stories from his childhood. In a lesson on the importance of Scripture memorization, he remembers how his mother taught him Bible verses by turning them into songs. Another lesson talks about trusting God and references Tebow’s career as a professional football player. “Trusting God with all our hearts doesn’t mean our prayers are always going to be answered exactly how we want,” Tebow writes. “Still, we are called to seek him. We are

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Children, Youth and Families Act, adds “gender identity” and “gender expression” to factors that can be considered “in the best interests of the child.” “With the passage of Bill 89, we’ve entered an era of totalitarian power by the state, such as never witnessed before in Canada’s history,” Jack Fonseca, senior political strategist for Campaign Life Coalition, told LifeSiteNews.com. “Make no mistake, Bill 89 is a grave threat to Christians and all people of faith who have children or who hope to grow their family through adoption.”

called to trust him.” Homeschooling has increased steadily over the years, according to the U.S. Department of Education. In 1999, the first year a report was issued by the department, there were 850,000 children being homeschooled in America. In 2013, the most recent report, there were more than 1.7 million children being taught from home. —Baptist Press

Ky. Gov. urges citizens to prayerwalk Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin called faith community leaders from across the state to a meeting in early June to share ideas for how they can help curb crime issues that plague various communities. Bevin’s proposal, in short, is to prayerwalk and engage with the communities that need it the most. “The lieutenant governor and myself laid out a very simple request to people: It is harnessing people of faith to pray for the community, engage with the community by physically walking blocks in that community, praying for the community,” Bevin said in a news conference after the meeting in West Louisville. “It doesn’t matter the age of people; we need young people and old people alike who genuinely believe in the power of prayer who want to [infuse] respect, dignity and hope into those communities and want to do that by physically being in those communities and walking around them,” Bevin added. Acknowledging and addressing concerns with the proposed plan, Bevin added, “There is no single solution. There is no one thing that is going to fix what ails our communities at all. What we proposed today was a single component of many things that need to be done.” —Western Recorder

Foster care workers ordered to affirm LGBT lifestyles Foster care workers and families in Illinois must allow gay and transgender youth to express and explore their chosen gender identity and sexual orientation, according to a new state governmental directive. Termination is among the penalties workers with the Illinois Department of Children

Ontario’s Minister of Child and Family Services, Michael Coteau, has said he considers questioning a teenager’s selfidentification as abuse. Coteau introduced the bill. “I would consider that a form of abuse, when a child identifies one way and a caregiver is saying no, you need to do this differently,” he said. “If it’s abuse, and if it’s within the definition, a child can be removed from that environment and placed into protection where the abuse stops.” —LifeSiteNews

and Family Services (DCFS) would face for violating the policy, the DCFS said in its new rules added in May as Appendix K to the state foster care policy manual. “Staff may not impose personal, organizational or religious beliefs on [lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender] children, youth and families, and in no way should personal beliefs impact the way individual needs of children/youth or families are met,” the 17-page policy states in part. “DCFS staff can be disciplined for violating this policy up to and including discharge, per the Employee Handbook and CMS (Illinois Department of Central Management Services) Personnel Rules.” Foster care caseworkers and caregivers must use “an affirming approach” in facilitating a child’s “exploration of any [LGBT] matters” and must be “open, non-judgmental, and empathic,” the new rule stipulates. —Baptist Press

New book has goal of ‘removing the stain of racism’ within SBC A new book co-edited by two African-American faculty members at Southern Seminary aims to equip Southern Baptists for healing racial wounds in the denomination, which was founded in 1845 in a split from Northern Baptists so slaveholding families could serve on the mission field. Removing the Stain of Racism from the Southern Baptist Convention, coedited by Jarvis J. Williams and Kevin M. Jones Sr. and released by B&H Academic June 1, features contributions from a dozen black SBC leaders and three white SBC leaders. In an interview with Southern Seminary’s newsmagazine “Towers,” Williams and Jones also noted signs of progress in the denomination. “One of the things we must do in terms of reconciliation and Christian unity in the SBC is make sure our words are consistent with the gospel, that we attempt to build up the different races in our convention with our words even when we speak hard truths to each other, and that

we do not perpetuate racism and dehumanize people by the words that we speak,” Williams said. The book also features a contribution from Craig Mitchell, associate professor of philosophy, politics, and economics at Criswell College, on the role of ethics in racial unity, and a concluding reflection from W. Dwight McKissic Sr., pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas. —Southern Seminary

New book provides 10 questions for pastoral search committees A new book by Frank Page, president of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, seeks to give biblical instruction and practical insights to congregations that have formed pastoral search committees. Titled Looking for a New Pastor (B&H Publishing), the book draws from Page’s 34 years in the pastorate and denominational service. The book’s subtitle is “10 Questions Every Church Should Ask.” “I was inspired to write this book out of a deep sense of need. Having been a pastor a long time and now helping churches across our convention, I found that many churches, if not most, struggle when it comes to finding a new pastor,” Page told Baptist Press. “In almost every situation, laypersons are charged with seeking a new pastor and many of them are unprepared to ask the right questions.” —Baptist Press

Nat’l CP 3.64 percent ahead of budget projection Year-to-date contributions to Southern Baptist Convention national and international missions and ministries received by the SBC Executive Committee were 3.64 percent above the yearto-date budgeted projection at the end of May and 1.04 percent below contributions received during the same time frame last year. As of May 31, gifts received by the Executive Committee for distribution through the Cooperative Program Allocation Budget through the first eight months of the SBC’s fiscal year totaled $130,582,089.91. —Baptist Press

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Six years ago, following a change of church leadership at their former meeting location, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 the Spanish-language congregation of 20-30 people was asked heaven [this] will be,” Randy to find a new place to worship. Brown, pastor of Southside Bap- Southside welcomed the contist Church in Lufkin said during gregation to use their facilities. the May 7 service celebrating In 2014 and 2015 the pastors the uniting of Templo Bautista of both congregations left for Jesús es El Señor with Southside. new ministry opportunities, “After today, we will truly be one and Coss and Brown took the staff working for the kingdom.” leadership roles at their respecWith the use of a translator, tive churches, keeping the existBrown and Ricardo Coss, pastor ing partnership in place. of the Spanish-language congreMoving beyond sharing a gation, told the joint congrega- building to becoming a single tion that their work together as congregation soon became an “One church, Two Languages” issue to address, and both paswill be a witness to the people tors entered the new relationin their community. ship with hope and a healthy “This is the Lord’s will to unite sense of the growing pains that the people in church,” Coss told may result. the congregation. “It does not mat“One of the biggest problems is ter the ethnic group or skin color.” the breakdown in language and

Mike Gonzales, SBTC director of Hispanic ministries, speaks during the celebration service of the newly merged Southside Baptist Church in Lufkin. PHOTO PROVIDED

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culture,” Brown told the TEXAN. “I also believe that there will be a little bit of struggle with working within the church structure of getting things done in an orderly manner.” Mike Gonzalez, Southern Baptist of Texas Convention director of Hispanic Ministries, who assisted with the transition, said churches are increasingly choosing to merge instead of simply share space. Traditionally a fledgling Spanish-language church would rent church space from a larger English-language (Anglo) congregation. Gonzalez called that the “two churches, one location model.” Additional models included the Anglo church planting a Spanish-language “mission” church or creating a Spanishlanguage “department” within the church. Coss and Brown recognized more things tied the two churches than separated them. “To be honest most of our people already thought that we were one [church],” Brown told the TEXAN. That unity was most evident among the children and youth, Gonzalez said. Many of the children attend the same schools and speak English, often acting as a bridge between the Spanish and English-speaking members. The pastors recognized the confluence of circumstances that made a merger of the two

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Members of Templo Bautista Jesús es El Señor officially become members of Southside Baptist Church. PHOTO PROVIDED

congregations inevitable—and welcome. Brown noted the three-fold growth of the Templo Bautista Jesús es El Señor under Coss. And Coss knew that growth required organization as a church body. After seeking counsel from SBTC Hispanic Ministries staff, the two congregations decided the One Church, Two Languages model would best serve the needs of both congregations and their community. They realize they have begun a journey that will have difficulties, but Coss said that is to be expected and will not overshadow the work God has for the new church, which will retain the name Southside Baptist Church. “The church is like a lab from God,” Coss told the congregation. “Here is where we learn to live

together, to forgive each other, and to accept each other. That’s the Lord’s will.” Brown said their efforts are already bearing fruit. “I can’t tell you how many people who have asked me to share what is going on,” Brown said. “Our country is so divided now; it’s time for the church to tear down the barriers that divide us. As we seek to be a multi-ethnic church, it bears witness to our community that Jesus and his commands are real in our lives.” The month of July has been set aside as the statewide emphasis for the Look Like Heaven initiative, which is designed to encourage cross-cultural interchange among SBTC churches. For more information, visit sbtexas.com/looklikeheaven.

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Ministry comes full circle when Christians minister to others with the gospel, Gaines said. “I want to encourage you to be a soul winner. Be evangelistic,” he exhorted. “If we will share the gospel of Jesus Christ with the lost, people will be saved.” In the convention sermon, Roger Spradlin, pastor of Valley Baptist Church in Bakersfield, Calif., challenged pastors to make the gospel central in every sermon. Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., echoed this as well in his convention message, emphasizing the need for pastors to lead out in personal evangelism. A preacher can test whether he cares about the lost by asking how long it has been since he engaged a non-believer in a personal conversation about the gospel. Teaching and preaching about evangelism “is not a substitute for evangelism,” Laurie said. Evangelism Task Force Messengers approved a motion to authorize Gaines to form a task force to study how Southern Baptists can be more effective in personal evangelism and evangelistic preaching. NAMB President Kevin Ezell made the motion. The task force will report back to the convention during the 2018 annual meeting Dallas. IMB Commissioning IMB trustees approved 31 new missionaries, who were appointed during a Sending Celebration June 13 during the evening session. Following a message by

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IMB President David Platt, the newly appointed IMB missionaries shared their testimonies of being called to the nations and then dispersed throughout the meeting hall, as messengers gathered around them for prayer. Gaines Re-elected Gaines was reelected by acclamation to a second term as president of the Southern Baptist Convention. He will lead a diverse slate of officers including Walter Strickland, an AfricanAmerican leader of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary’s Kingdom Diversity Initiative, first vice president; Jose Abella, a bilingual church planter from Miami, second vice president; John Yeats, who has served as recording secretary for the past two decades; and Don Currence, pastor of First Baptist Church in Ozark, Mo., registration secretary. Jim Wells, who has served 15 years as registration secretary was unable to serve at this year’s convention and was not renominated for the position due to his battle with cancer. Yeats reported that doctors have told Wells he has only a few days or weeks of life remaining, and then he offered a prayer for Wells and his family. Patterson Named 2018 Convention Preacher Messengers elected Southwestern Seminary President Paige Patterson as the 2018 convention preacher, with Kie Bowman, pastor of Hyde Park Baptist Church in Austin, as the alternate preacher and Mark Blair, minister of music at Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., as the convention music director. —This story compiled from reports by Baptist Press.

Thousands of messengers representing hundreds of churches across the country attend the 160th Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting June 13-14 at the Phoenix Convention Center. PHOTO BY VAN PAYNE

Jacob Dahl, center, and his wife Jessica, right, share how they reach college students on the campus of Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash., through Resonate Church during the SBC Executive Committee report in the evening session of the June 13 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting at the Phoenix Convention Center. Keith Weiser, pastor of Resonate Church, second left, and his wife, Paige, left, look on. PHOTO BY MATT MILLER

Send Luncheon: ‘Evangelize or fossilize’

Las Vegas church planter Vance Pittman, right, encourages pastors toward evangelism and to be disciple-making churches during the North American Mission Board (NAMB) Send Luncheon Monday, June 12. Pastors Greg Laurie, second from left, and James Merritt added examples from their experience while NAMB President Kevin Ezell, left, moderated the discussion at the Phoenix Convention Center. PHOTO BY MARC HOOKS

By Daryn Sinclair NAMB PHOENIX A full-capacity audience gathered at the Phoenix Convention Center June 12 for a discussion about evangelism at the North American Mission Board’s 2017 Send Luncheon. “NAMB exists to come alongside churches and help them be on mission,” NAMB President Kevin Ezell told pastors. “The mission (is to share) the gospel of Jesus Christ—to push back lostness in

North America; to see that every man, woman, boy and girl can hear the gospel. Everything we do is about evangelism. We as a convention need to focus on having gospel conversations.” Ezell shared some sobering statistics based on an analysis of 2015 Annual Church Profile numbers. Eighty percent of SBC churches, he said, baptized nine people or fewer. Fifty percent of churches baptized two or fewer, and 25 percent baptized none. Ezell then invited pastors Vance Pit-

man, Greg Laurie and James Merritt to the stage to discuss their experiences sharing the gospel and leading others to do the same. Each man stressed how crucial evangelism is to the survival of the church, and they challenged pastors to lead by example in their own lives by intentionally and regularly having gospel conversations. Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., began the conversation by explaining how he motivates his church staff and members to share their faith. “If you want to start a fire in the pews, it has to start in the pulpit,” Laurie said. “Evangelize or fossilize. New believers are the lifeblood of the church. If you show me a church that does not have a constant flow of new believers coming in, then I will show you a church that’s stagnant.” Laurie explained that older believers stabilize the church while newer believers mobilize the church. Merritt, pastor of Cross Pointe Church in Duluth, Ga., added, “The gospel is still a fire that can melt the coldest heart. It is still a rock that can break the hardest heart.” Vance Pitman, NAMB ambassador and pastor of Hope Church in Las Vegas, shared his experience with evangelism as a church planter. “What changed for me in the arena of evangelism was moving to Las Vegas to plant a church,” Pitman shared. “When

I moved to Las Vegas, there was no church. I didn’t have a choice but to build relationships with people in the city.” Pitman said it was then that he became more active in meeting lost people, cultivating gospel conversations with them and building relationships with people in the city. He addressed a problem he said is common among Baptist churches today: members are only surrounding themselves with fellow church members. “Can you name people in your city who don’t know Jesus that you’re building relationships with?” Pitman asked. He suggested restructuring the church’s ministry schedule to allow more time and opportunities for members to build relationships with people outside the walls of their congregation. Pitman then introduced a video of Martin Haghani, a church planter from his church who excels in evangelistic work. A former Muslim, Haghani has devoted his life to reaching out to the Islamic community in Las Vegas in order to share the gospel and the hope of Jesus. In 2015, he led 26 Muslims to Christ, and in 2016, his church baptized 54 more. Merritt offered a concluding comment, saying, “The single greatest thing you can do for another person is introduce them to Jesus Christ.” —with reporting by Keith Collier

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SBC MESSENGERS APPROVE RESOLUTIONS RELATED TO ‘ALT-RIGHT,’ PRAYER, SUBSTITUTIONARY ATONEMENT, ETC. speak clearly and definitely that ‘alt-right’ white nationalism is not just a sociological movement but a work of the devil. “Racism and white supremacy are not merely social issues,” said Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. “Racism and white supremacy attack the gospel itself and the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.” In bringing the resolution to messengers Wednesday, Resolutions Committee Chairman Barrett Duke apologized to the convention on behalf of the panel. “We regret and apologize for the pain and the confusion that we created for you and a watching world when we decided not to report out a resolution on alt-right racism,” he said. “Please know it wasn’t Texas pastor Dwight McKissic moved to bring his proposed resolution on the “alt-right” to messengers because we don’t share your abhorrence of racism and especially, particularly the Tuesday June 13. PHOTO BY VAN PAYNE vicious form of racism that has manifestBy Tom Strode God, which is established from every na- ed itself in the alt-right movement. We Baptist Press tion, tribe, people, and language.” do share your abhorrence.” After the vote, most messengers stood The torturous path the resolution took PHOENIX Messengers to the 2017 to applaud the result. to passage began Tuesday afternoon Southern Baptist Convention annual Dwight McKissic, the African-Amer- when the Resolutions Committee ofmeeting denounced “alt-right white su- ican pastor who submitted the original fered nine resolutions—all that gained premacy” in a nearly unanimous vote resolution, expressed gratitude for ap- unanimous or nearly unanimous apWednesday, June 14, after a tumultuous proval of the final version. proval—but did not report out a resolu24 hours following the failure Tuesday “I’m grateful that things have ended up tion on the “alt-right” from McKissic. of the resolutions committee and mes- like they have, I think, for the kingdom of In explaining Tuesday afternoon why sengers to bring an “alt-right” resolution God’s sake,” McKissic told reporters after the committee did not report out McKisto the floor. the vote. “I think we’re sic’s resolution, Duke It appeared maybe fewer than 10 mes- back to a good place told reporters the sengers in the Phoenix Convention Cen- after a 24-hour roller committee agreed ter hall voted in the afternoon session coaster ride.” with the resolution’s against a resolution on “the anti-gospel The pastor of Corpoint on racism but of alt-right white supremacy.” The “alt- nerstone Baptist thought it and other right,” a movement that advocates white Church in Arlington, “elements [in the pronationalism, has gained increasing at- Texas, said he was posal] already had tention in the last 18 months. “very pleased” that been addressed reIn the resolution, messengers said they: the final resolution— cently” in Southern Baptist life. u “[D]ecry every form of racism, in- which was markedly cluding alt-right white supremacy, as different from his verAt the close of the antithetical to the gospel of Jesus Christ; sion—addressed the committee’s report, McKissic sought to u “[D]enounce and repudiate white “alt-right” and white supremacy and every form of racial and supremacy. “I think bring his resolution —RUSSELL MOORE, ethnic hatred as a scheme of the devil in- we’re unified around to the floor for a ERLC PRESIDENT tended to bring suffering and division to that,” he said. vote. He asked that our society; The fact it took the SBC “would go u “[A]cknowledge that we still must nearly 24 hours to pass such a resolution on record to abate darkness that’s inmake progress in rooting out any re- clearly disturbed McKissic; however, he vading our nation right now.” Many maining forms of intentional or unin- was encouraged “to see so many South- “alt-right” members claim to be Southtentional racism in our midst; ern Baptists take a courageous stand” ern Baptists, he said. His motion failed to gain the twou “[E]arnestly pray, both for those who and for a generation of them to say, “We advocate racist ideologies and those who will not take this sitting down,” McKissic thirds majority required in a raised balare thereby deceived, that they may see said. lot vote. In the evening session, a similar their error through the light of the gospel, Southern Baptist ethics leader Russell motion from the floor fell short again, repent of these hatreds, and come to know Moore, who spoke in support of the resolu- gathering only 58 percent in a vote taken the peace and love of Christ through re- tion from the floor, said of the resolution’s by marked ballot. deemed fellowship in the kingdom of passage, “Southern Baptists were right to The Resolutions Committee asked Tuesday evening for an opportunity to bring such a resolution to the convention Wednesday, and the Committee on Order of Business and messengers approved its request. The Resolutions Committee worked on a final version into the earlier hours Wednesday morning, Duke said. SBC President Steve Gaines spoke to messengers late Tuesday night before they voted on bringing an “alt-right” resolution to the floor. “I want to encourage you: Let’s make sure before we leave Phoenix everyone knows we have spoken forthrightly that God loves everyone and we love everyone, and the whole world knows that we, in Christ ..., come against every kind of racism that there is,” Gaines said. Messengers also passed the other nine resolutions June 13, covering some hotbutton theological and moral issues, but the “alt-right gained the most attention.

“Racism and white supremacy are not merely social issues. Racism and white supremacy attack the gospel itself and the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

In those resolutions, they: u Confessed as sin any lack of prayer and called on Southern Baptists to commit to at least 15 minutes a day of prayer and regular fasting as they are able, as well as petitions to God to grant revival and the salvation of millions of people. u Expressed gratitude for leaders who live consistently moral lives, urged all leaders to abide by God’s moral standards and pledged prayer for the country’s leaders to resist temptation. u Reaffirmed the doctrine of penal substitutionary atonement—which says Jesus took upon Himself in His death the divine punishment due sinners—”as the burning core of the Gospel message and the only hope of a fallen race.” u Denounced Planned Parenthood’s “immoral agenda and practices,” in addition to urging all government defunding and commending the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) for making federal removal of money for the country’s leading abortion provider a priority in its legislative agenda. u Called for Southern Baptists and other Christians not to participate “in the sin of gambling,” encouraged pastors and convention leaders to continue to teach Southern Baptists about the deceptiveness of gambling and urged government at all levels to halt state-sponsored gambling. u Urged Southern Baptists to pray for and invest in evangelism and discipleship efforts with college students and strengthen the relationship between parachurch campus ministries and local churches. u Voiced gratitude to God on the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation for its courageous leaders and urged recommitment to its convictions while advocating for religious liberty for all. u Offered thanks on the 100th anniversary of the SBC Executive Committee and commended the entity for its promotion of the Cooperative Program, the convention’s unified giving plan. u Expressed gratitude to God, as well as Southern Baptists in the Phoenix area and all others who helped with this year’s meeting. When asked by a reporter in a news conference afterward about the absence of President Trump’s name from the resolution on moral leadership, Duke said, “There was no need to single out President Trump or anyone else. We simply believe the resolution stands on its own without bringing particular characters into it.” Regarding the measure on gambling, Duke said “We looked back, and we noticed that we never in the past have actually labeled gambling as a sin in that kind of explicit way.” Moore described the resolution on penal substitutionary atonement as “very well worded, reflecting the viewpoint of the Baptist Faith & Message [the SBC’s statement of faith] and in a context where penal substitutionary atonement has been the subject of a hot debate in recent years.” He told reporters it was a “very appropriate word for this convention to speak to the fact that we believe, as the book of Romans teaches, that God is both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus through the atoning sacrifice of Christ.” Full text for all 10 resolutions available at texanonline.net/sbc2017resolutions.

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CROSSOVER & HARVEST AMERICA SHARE TIMELESS GOSPEL MESSAGE

Brandon Kiesling, left, instructor of evangelism at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, prays with Shane, center, during the conclusion of Harvest America June 11 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. Shane came forward to rededicate his life to Christ and was moved to tears during their prayer time on the field. PHOTO BY ADAM COVINGTON

By Josie Bingham NAMB PHOENIX It started Friday, June 9—the rumblings of an awakening. More than 700 voices worshiped at North Phoenix Baptist Church in Phoenix, Ariz., kicking off the weekend’s Crossover Arizona and Harvest America events. The North American Mission Board’s (NAMB) Crossover Arizona and Greg Laurie’s Harvest America joined forces to host a three-day evangelistic outreach involving training, street evangelism and service projects before culminating in Harvest America’s Sunday night crusade. By the end of that evening, Harvest reported 2,904 salvation decisions at the event with another 494 indicating decisions online. In total, the Harvest crusade and Crossover street evangelism resulted in 3,549 professions of faith. The events were held in conjunction with this year’s Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting in Phoenix. “Welcome to Crossover,” said Jason Powell, pastor at Harvest Christian Fellowship, during Crossover’s Fridayevening gathering. “This is for you to learn tips and tactics to tell someone else about Jesus. While we’re excited about the opportunity for 35,000 people to hear the gospel at the crusade, it’s very important we learn how to share and get out there every day.” Fifty Crossover volunteers gathered Saturday, June 10, to work on Arizona homes. They repaired plumbing, cleaned houses, painted walls and landscaped yards during the “Love in Action” service project at several transitional houses owned by Dream City Church and its affiliate, Dream Center. One homeowner, Ryan Dubia, and his wife Alexandra worked alongside volunteers sweating in unison in the 98-degree heat. “Our house was a blessing,” Dubia said. “It gave me and my wife Alex a break when we got our lives together and stopped using drugs. We’ve been clean for 22 months. This house, and the opportunity to have it maintained by volunteers, is a relief for our soon-to-be family of four.” But the day wasn’t over for Crossover participants. As the sun set, the streets of Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale and Ave Mesa filled with groups sharing the

gospel during the “Tell Someone” evangelism portion of Crossover. Steve Gaines, president of the SBC and pastor of Memphis-area Bellevue Baptist Church in Cordova, Tenn., served alongside his wife Donna and Southwestern Baptist Theology Seminary students and alumni Saturday night in Glendale. SWBTS students had hit the streets earlier in the week to begin their annual evangelism efforts in conjunction with Crossover and the SBC annual meeting. “With our group, we visited over 1,000 homes,” Gaines said. “We had well over 200 gospel conversations and were out for about three to four hours. We had a great time.” Frank S. Page, a past president of the SBC who now serves as president of the SBC Executive Committee, also participated in door-to-door evangelism Saturday with First Southern Baptist Church at Sahuaro Ranch Park and SWBTS students. “I was delighted to go with a group of students from Southwestern Seminary, my alma mater, in sharing the gospel,” Page said. “I did not get to lead anyone to Christ, but I did have several great gospel conversations. I have participated in Crossover for many years and love the privilege.” The weekend’s events came to a crescendo Sunday night as approximately 38,000 gathered to hear the good news of Jesus live at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale. Another 3,000 host sites joined the crusade event online. The event started with prayer for the nation, and then attendees experienced a night of worship with musical artists NEEDTOBREATHE, Trip Lee, MercyMe, Jordin Sparks, Phil Wickham and Brennley Brown and heard a gospel presentation from Greg Laurie. Many attendees had been invited to the crusade by friends, neighbors, coworkers, family members or even strangers. “I came to the crusade because my friend started asking me about Jesus, and Harvest America was the perfect opportunity to have her hear the gospel,” Tammi Gauthier, an Arizona native, said. “The friend I brought was my daughter’s nanny. We fell out of touch for a while. Then, out of nowhere this year, she started reaching out and ask-

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary students, left to right, Callie Vermillion of Aledo, Texas; Elisabeth Palmer of Tool, Texas, and Shane Kirby of Joshua, Texas, witness in a retirement community in Surprise, Ariz. PHOTO BY KATHLEEN MURRAY

“No matter what, come with your sins, come with your questions. He will take you as you are.” —GREG LAURIE

ing about Jesus. I’d been to a few crusades before but nothing this big. I was so happy to bring her and have her be completely immersed in worship and the Word.” In his message, Laurie shared about the anxieties and fears most Americans live with. In Arizona, the number of suicides is significantly higher than homicides, resulting in 810 deaths annually, he said. “We’re living in a crazy world right now,” Laurie said. “Our nation is lost in every state including Arizona. The threat of terrorism is real. “People are scared, worried, in anxiety. But let’s have theology without apology. People are hungry for that; they’re hungry to have an honest and hopeful conversation. The last thing

that God wants is any man or woman created in his own image to go to hell. Heaven is his place for all forgiven people and all people can be forgiven at any time if they believe and receive him into their lives. That’s the message we aimed to share during Crossover Arizona and at Harvest America—a message of hope to the nation.” Laurie ended the evening by inviting people to the stadium floor if they wanted to begin a relationship with Christ. “No matter what, come with your sins, come with your questions,” Laurie said to a quiet crowd. “He will take you as you are.” NAMB is planning a similar partnership next year as the Southern Baptist Convention meets in Dallas.

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H.B. CHARLES JR. ELECTED FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT OF PASTORS’ CONFERENCE By Baptist Press PHOENIX The 2017 SBC Pastors’ Conference proved historic on many levels including the unanimous election of H.B. Charles Jr., pastor of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Fla., as the first black president in the conference’s history. The election took place during the afternoon session of the conference at the Phoenix Convention Center, June 12. Charles was nominated by Ken Whitten, pastor of Idlewild Baptist Church in Lutz, Fla., who said, “I want to be real clear about one thing—I am not nominating H.B. Charles because of the color of

his skin. I’m suggesting that he be the conference president because of the character of his soul and the convictions of his spirit.” Whitten shared about Charles’ pastoral H.B. Charles Jr. ministry experience and commitments to the inerrancy of Scripture and expositional preaching, adding, “All of this has given H.B. a vision of what every Southern Baptist pulpit can look like, when we make Jesus Christ the central figure of our preaching and the cross the central factor of our preaching. …

“In June 1995 in Atlanta, Ga., our convention unwaveringly denounced any form of racism. And the day and the hour has come where regardless of Steve Swofford your nationality, we should look at your spirituality, we should look at your theology and missiology to be a leader in all phases of our convention.” There were no other nominees, so current conference president Dave Miller asked the crowd to vote by standing and cheering, and the entire auditorium erupted in applause.

Steve Swofford, pastor of First Baptist Church in Rockwall, Texas, was nominated by Bart Barber of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas, as vice president for the 2018 Pastors’ Conference, and was elected unopposed. There were no nominees for secretary, so Miller explained that per the rules of the conference, Charles would be able to appoint one. In addition to the historic nature of the officer elections, this year’s intentional lineup of speakers consisting of pastors in smaller to average size SBC churches preached through the book of Philippians. To read the full story, visit texanonline.net/sbcpc2017.

SBC Pastors’ Conference: Barber calls for more peacemakers in Southern Baptist churches By Keith Collier Managing Editor PHOENIX Bart Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas, delivered a message from Philippians 4:29, calling for God to raise up more peacemakers in Southern Baptist Churches. His sermon was part of the SBC Pastors’ Conference in Phoenix, June 12. Noting that the entire letter to the Philippians speaks to the value of gospel partnerships, Barber said, “There are two ways that you can lose partnership in the gospel. One way is to lose the gospel. … But even if you retain the truth of Scripture and the authority of Scripture and the reality of the gospel, you can still lose a partnership for the gospel if you fail to protect the spirit of partnership that enables people to cooperate for the cause of the gospel.” In this passage, Paul names people in the church who were causing problems,

and he calls out the peacemakers in the church to bring reconciliation. Using the illustration of white blood cells in the body that stand ready to fight infection, Barber said, “God created the body of Christ to expect that there would be conflict in the body of Christ. … And he planned for that by designing the church to contain an army of peacemakers who will wait around and watch for that moment when partnership for the gospel is in jeopardy and will rush in and protect the partnership of the gospel from the threat.” He explained that much of the conflict in Southern Baptist churches is not simply because of the presence of conflict but rather because of the absence of peacemakers. Deacons, he said, have a biblical responsibility to be lead peacemakers in the congregation. “I believe that we are witnessing the slow, terrifying demise of the office of deacon within our churches,” he said.

“I’m not saying that all of the peacemakers in your church have to be deacons, but I am saying that all the deacons in your church need to be peacemakers.” Barber acknowledged that many churches have deacons that are more troublemakers than peacemakers “because peacemaking is hard work.” “But when there are bad pastors, we don’t abandon the office of pastor, we reform it. And I believe there’s a need today for reformation in the office of deacon in Baptist churches, that we might recover God’s design of health for us and might be able to raise up peacemakers.” Barber said if pastors are going to call people to be peacemakers in the church, then they are going to have to train them how to do it effectively. In the passage, he said, Paul spends one sentence addressing the problem and then the rest of the passage training in how to be peacemakers. Peacemakers must be trained to resolve conflict in the church by making others’ business their own, Barber said. “The lie straight from hell that plagues our churches is that we think if we’re going to be mannerly, we can’t make anybody’s business ours,” Barber said. “We see trouble in church, and we say, ‘Y’all take care of that. Good luck.’” But, he said, Paul challenges the church in Philippi to step in and help bring harmony in the body of Christ. Peacemakers must also be prepared for the emotional difficulties that come with peacemaking. “But God has given us defenses against these emotions that make peacemaking so hard,” Barber said. “Against discouragement, we can rejoice. … We should replace worry with prayer, and if we do that, it says ‘the peace of God which surpasses all understanding will guard your heart and mind.’” Third, he said, peacemakers must be trained in their thinking, including things that are true, just, honorable, excellent and praiseworthy.

Bart Barber, pastor of First Baptist Church in Farmersville, Texas, preaches during the final session of the Pastors’ Conference June 12 at the Phoenix Convention Center. He spoke on Philippians 4:1-9. PHOTO BY MATT MILLER

“Too often in conflict, the first thing that happens is people pressure you to choose sides, and once the sides have been chosen, it is only good that is spoken of our side and it is only evil that is spoken of the other side. Here, Paul calls those who are peacemakers to be people who try hard, who deliberately and purposely dwell on and think about the best of everyone on both sides, who look for good things to say about everyone on all sides so that they might be able to make peace.” Finally, Barber said, pastors must set the example of peacemaking. Referencing denominational life, he said pastors have great opportunities to model the pattern of peacemaking. He used the illustration of Fannie Heck and Annie Armstrong, leaders of the Women’s Missionary Union during its greatest days of growth but who also hated one another. Denominational leaders and the WMU’s board stepped in as peacemakers, calling the two women to reconcile in order to protect the partnership in the gospel and the mission of Christ. “Oh, friends, our churches perish for a lack of peacemakers,” Barber pleaded. “Our marriages fall apart because Christians gather around and instead of telling us to work things out, they tell us that we can just bust things up. Institutions struggle because of the problems we have with conflict. “But the beauty of peacemaking is that it’s something that Christ has promised will receive a blessing—blessed are the peacemakers.”

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SBTCDR CREWS END MISSOURI FLOOD RESPONSE “God bless the Baptists,” homeowner says By Jane Rodgers TEXAN Correspondent DONIPHAN, MO.

When HT and Michelle Herring purchased what was to be their retirement home on the banks of the Current River near Doniphan, Missouri, they were reassured the house sat far enough above the river for safety. “When it was originally built in 1967, it would take up to a 24-foot flood level; this matched the original 1904 highest flood level recorded,” HT said of the home they bought in 2004. But on Saturday, April 30, as the Current River rose to what would be historic 33-foot levels, Herring scrambled to put furniture and pictures in the attic before seeking higher ground at a friend’s home. “Saturday was a beautiful day, sunshiny. It lulled everybody into a sense of serenity. The river dropped three feet, but I checked the USGS [United States Geological Survey] and saw the river had risen 13 feet in one hour,” Herring recalled, adding that water soon rose about 8 feet inside the home, up to the gutters, stopping about 5 inches from the attic. A 10-foot by 15-foot shed on the property was swept away by floodwaters. “We are among the fortunate ones. There’s a lot of people who have lost everything,” he said. When the waters receded, Herring began what he called essentially a “one man job” of removing debris. A nephew and some friends helped some, he said, but the situation seemed desperate until Michelle went to disaster relief headquar-

CHURCH POSITIONS PASTOR u Richland BC (SBC) located in Richland, Wash., is seeking an experienced senior pastor for a congregation of 400 with five FT ministry staff. Qualifying candidates will possess a seminary degree, be committed to Bible-teaching and exposition and feel called to the Pacific Northwest. Please confidentially respond to: [email protected]. u Good Shepherd BC in Silsbee is seeking a FT pastor. Average Sunday morning attendance is 120. Parsonage is available. We are an SBTC church. Send resume to [email protected] or Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 3700 FM 92, Silsbee, TX 77656. Contact Lynn Grissom at 409-782-5571. u Farley Street BC is seeking a FT executive pastor. Must be an ordained Baptist minister and possess experience and understanding of Christian education, leadership capabilities and general business procedures, and have experience in providing biblical counsel to families. Send resumes to [email protected]. u FBC Bloomington is seeking a FT or bivocational pastor. Parsonage provided. Please send resumes to FBC Bloomington, PO Box 607, Bloomington, TX 77951. u Lovera BC in San Antonio is seeking a PT/ bi-vocational pastor. LBC is affiliated with the San Antonio Baptist Association and affirms the 2000 Baptist Faith and Message. Ten years’ ministerial experience and formal theological education preferred. Send resumes and letters of reference to Pastor Search Committee at [email protected] or Lovera Baptist Church, 333 Lovera Blvd., San Antonio, TX 78212. DVDs or links to online sermons are appreciated. u Barksdale BC is searching for a bi-vocational pastor for a church that serves a large community. Parsonage provided. Experience and education a plus. Youth ministry and mission-minded very important. Send resumes to G Moore, Chairman, Pastor Search Committee, PO Box 399, Camp Wood, TX 78833. MUSIC u Immanuel BC in San Angelo is seeking a FT music minister. Responsibilities include blended

ters at First Baptist Church Doniphan and applied for help. Missouri DR deployed a six-person SBTC unit from First Baptist Pflugerville led by David Dean to the Herring home. “The Baptist church came through. You all just saved me,” Herring told the TEXAN, referring to the SBTC volunteers. “This is a coordinated effort. This is a war zone here. You all have done a fantastic job.” Herring worked alongside the SBTC crew, Dean said, calling the three-day process “wet, sloppy work” involving the removal of flooring, sheetrock and soggy insulation. Dean dubbed Herring, whose leg contains a titanium rod, a “trooper,” adding that the homeowner, a Methodist, had opened one day’s work by volunteering to pray for the Baptist crew. “He prayed for our safety and wellbeing and for our families back home,” Dean said.

Dean said his SBTC unit consisted of three men and three women, all of whom “pitched right in, no matter how dirty the work.” “This is the messiest work,” Dean said of mud-out efforts. “We go home very dirty each night. The homeowner is very grateful. We feel like we are doing the Lord’s work here.” Labor at the Herring home ended Friday with Dean’s crew spraying mold retardant over bare studs. Dean said the unit would next begin work on a flooded 4,000-square-foot home resting on 30foot high stilts, a job to be finished by Tennessee Baptist DR volunteers due in later. The SBTC’s two-week deployment at Doniphan ended May 27 as the team returned to Texas. Monte Furrh’s six-person DR unit from Bonham, Texas, began SBTC DR efforts in Missouri on May 14, shortly after finishing DR tornado cleanup in Canton, Texas.

Sunday morning worship, sanctuary choir, various instrumentalists, media, and some technology. Send resumes to [email protected] or 90 E. 14th St., San Angelo, TX 76903. u Little Cypress BC in Orange is searching for a FT music minister. This job will also be a dual position depending on spiritual gifts. Resumes may be emailed to [email protected]. u Immanuel BC in San Angelo is seeking FT Music Minister. Responsibilities include blended Sunday morning worship, sanctuary choir, various instrumentalists, media and some technology. Send resumes to [email protected] or 90 E. 14th St., San Angelo, TX 76903. u Community BC in Crosby is seeking a PT worship leader who will lead a team for Sunday morning worship services. Also, he would be responsible for recruiting, rehearsing and training volunteers to lead in worship. Please contact pastor Robert Williams at [email protected]. u North Hills BC in Whitesboro is seeking a PT minister of music. Send resume to: [email protected] or PO Box 649 Whitesboro, TX 76273. Phone: 903-564-5574. u Westside BC in Corsicana is accepting resumes for a PT interim music minister for Sunday morning and evening services, and Wednesday nights. Email resume to [email protected] or mail to Westside Baptist Church, 1522 N 24th, Corsicana, TX 75110

growth. For more information or to submit your resume please email [email protected] or call/text James Stevens at 254-709-7273. u Meadowbrook BC in Rockdale is seeking a youth (combo w/music optional) minister; young, evangelistic, adhere to BF&M 2000, have a love for youth, people, and be a team player. Email resumes to [email protected] or mail to Youth Pastor Search 1401 Colorado Ave, Rockdale, TX 76567. u FBC in Henderson is accepting resumes for a youth pastor. Please send resumes to dhiggs@ thefbc.org or First Baptist Church, 207 W Main St, Henderson, TX 75654. u FBC of Winona, a small town in the Tyler area, is seeking PT or bi-vocational minister of students. Parsonage is available. Submit resume to pastor Tony Watson at [email protected].

COMBINATION u Meadowbrook BC, Rockdale is seeking a youth (combo w/music optional) minister; young, evangelistic, adhere to BF&M 2000, have a love for youth, people, and be a team player. Email resumes to [email protected] or mail to Youth Pastor Search 1401 Colorado Ave, Rockdale, TX 76567. u Canyon Creek BC in Temple is seeking a FT youth/college minister. Email resumes to mary@ creekfamily.org. YOUTH u FBC of Gholson seeks a PT youth minister to direct and evaluate a comprehensive ministry within the church directed toward youth and families that fosters discipleship and spiritual

CHILDREN u Community BC in Crosby is seeking a PT director of children’s ministry to create, manage and direct all aspects of children’s ministry (birth through fifth grade) which includes Sunday school, Children’s Church, summer Wednesday activities, special events, VBS and childcare. Please contact pastor Robert Williams at [email protected]. OTHER u Farley Street BC is searching for a PT outreach director who is passionate about outreach and missions. Seeking someone who has experience in local and community outreach, leading and caring for and pastoring people. Formal education

Furrh’s crew arrived in Doniphan to see the First Church of God’s steeple sticking out above floodwaters, which submerged the building. They completed four large jobs, including work on three homes belonging to FBC Doniphan members before turning things over to Dean’s unit and returning to Texas. SBTCDR crews came to Missouri at the request of Missouri DR. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve with Missouri disaster relief. This was our opportunity to return a favor to Missouri as they were here helping us in floods in Texas in 2016,” said Scottie Stice, SBTC director of disaster relief. “I appreciate the Missouri DR volunteers and their very capable leadership with Dwain Carter and their white hats,” Stice noted, adding that Missouri DR had done an “excellent job of serving flood victims and sharing the gospel as they have responded to the needs of the flooded communities.” “I am still astounded at the kindness the Southern Baptists extended to my wife and me in our time of desperation,” Herring said. “God bless the Southern Baptists as they are truly doing God’s work. David and his team deserve to be recognized for what they did for us and I’m sure others as well. I just can’t say enough good things about them and their mission to help others in need. We’re certainly not rich folks monetarily, but we feel rich due to the kindness of others when we needed it. Words can never convey how we were so blessed.” For more information on how to give or volunteer, visit sbtexas.com/evangelism/ disaster-relief/how-to-help.

and/or seminary training is a plus. Send resumes to [email protected]. u FBC of Gholson seeks a PT assistant pastor who will work with the pastor to plan, promote, coordinate, direct and evaluate a comprehensive ministry within the church directed at all age groups. For more information or to submit your resume please email [email protected] or call or text James Stevens at 254-709-7273. u Faith Christian Academy in Palmhurst is in need of a secondary math teacher for the 2017-2018 school year. We have been around for 27 years. Call 956-581-7777. ANNOUNCEMENTS u FREE witnessing dolls for church children’s ministries to use in VBS, mission trips, Sunday school, etc. We minister in New Mexico and Arizona to Native Americans and are in need of large quantities of beans, rice and new or used extralarge clothing for both men and women. Contact Bill & Bettye Roberts, 903-364-2515, 361 Harris Lane, Whitewright, TX 75491, [email protected]. u You are cordially invited to attend a retirement celebration dinner to honor Don Miller for 40 years of faithful service as executive pastor at First Baptist Church, 1800 East Broad Street, Mansfield, TX on Sunday, July 30, 6 p.m. in the gym. Please send photos of Don to the email listed above to be used in a special presentation. Please RSVP by July 20 at 40years@ firstmansfield.com.

PAID CLASSIFIEDS u BEACH HOUSE RENTAL one block to Galveston seawall and Pleasure Pier. Great porch views of water and pier. Sleeps 6 up, 8 down, 2 full kitchens, 2 full baths. Call Karen at 409-370-7012. http:// www.rentalsbythepier.com/aqua-breeze.html. u BOOK FOR SALE. “Why Country Church is Still Cool! The Miracle at Marion Continues.” Written by Butch Ikels, PO Box 421, Marion, Texas 78124. $10.00 + $2.95 shipping. u CUSTOM SCREEN-PRINTED T-SHIRTS FOR CHURCHES Great prices and free shipping across the state! Small and large orders welcome. Printed by Christian owned and operated business. Call Southeast Texas Printing Co. 409-622-2197.

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‘REFRESHING’ DALLAS SEND CONF. CASTS MISSION VISION

if you think there is, you’ve got to redefine your thinking. There are times in your life that are reFRISCO Among a sea of attend- defining, and that’s what we’re ees and volunteers in the Dr. praying the next couple of days Pepper Arena, the North Amer- will be.” SEND in Dallas included ican Mission Board and the International Mission Board’s worship led by Austin Stone SEND Conference challenged Worship, Thomas Keys III and attendees to examine and rede- Crowder, and main sessions and breakouts with 30 diverse topfine their lives on mission. More than 4,000 people paid ics and speakers. “The breakout sessions were and registered for the sold-out conference May 19-20 in Frisco, especially helpful,” Herring notTexas, which drew people from ed. “At the conclusion of SEND, my notebook was filled with pagall states and three continents. “Be careful not to manufac- es of ideas and resources. What a ture a heart for missions outside blessing to have some ‘blue sky’ a heart for Christ,” IMB president moments under the wisdom of David Platt said to the crowd these experienced leaders.” Aaron Clayton, an SBTC during opening session. “There is no one without the other, and church planter of Remedy

By Josie Bingham NAMB

Church in Waxahachie, was also taking notes with hopes to bring back “some nuts and bolts for how we can effectively equip and send church planters.” “I am also looking forward to bringing back some fresh enthusiasm and energy,” Clayton said. “I am hoping our people catch more of the vision for why and how they can live on mission in all of life. I hope they feel better equipped and more confident themselves and in their ability to rally together in community to live out the mission of God.” With breakouts such as “Addressing poverty through local schools,” “Risk in missions,” “Leading women to advance the gospel,” “Leveraging the power of ordinary” and “Giving purpose to our jobs,” the conference reinforced how every believer— at any time—can be on mission. New Orleans youth minister and bivocational church planter Dallas Guidry, of Lakeshore Church in Louisiana, called the conference “unlike any other.” “There are so many lost where our church plant is,” Guidry said. “But it’s all about relationships. Right now, I’m in seminary and coaching a baseball team. I’m developing trust and relationships with those

around me by being engaged in the community. And coming to this SEND conference, I feel more refreshed than ever. It’s awesome to see how people here are so willing to support one another in living on mission for God’s glory. Everything we do is for Him.” A similar spirit and enthusiasm for missions gripped many hearts at the event. Georgia College and State University (GCSU) student Carson Gregors and her peers drove 14 hours to attend SEND in Dallas. Gregors and 12 others started Full Accord Ministry (FAM) to serve their fellow students on campus with authentic family relationships. They attended the SEND Conference to take leadership tips and engagement tactics home to students at GCSU in Milledgeville, Ga. “I was especially looking forward to what Kathy Litton had to say about women in mission,” she said. “She has incredible insight and hearing her breakout talk was inspiring. It was so great to hear such strong truth spoken over discipleship. It revolutionized how I’m going to approach my small group when I get back to school in the fall.” “It’s so encouraging to see thousands of people at an event focused on helping

believers take Jesus to the people around them as an everyday lifestyle,” said Kevin Ezell, NAMB’s president. “I am thrilled as well to see such a young, diverse group. So many pastors worked hard to bring their people. The conference is for them, so it is great to see so many participate.” Every video, social media post, breakout and main session was designed to share messages that moved people toward their next missional opportunity. “It’s exhilarating to see local churches taking mission seriously,” Platt said. “And that’s what this conference is all about: Men and women from churches in all 50 states and Canada—and a few other countries, as well—considering how God has sent them right where they live for the spread of the Gospel and contemplating where God might lead them around the world to people who’ve never heard of the gospel. “It’s an awesome sight,” he said, “to see thousands of people at a conference representing thousands of churches in the SBC and beyond who together are saying that we want to spend our lives making disciples from our neighbors to the nations.”

SEND Conference challenges intergenerational crowd to make missions more than an event By Tammi Reed Ledbetter Special Assignments Editor FRISCO Among the 416 Texans engaged in missions training at the SEND 2017 Conference in Frisco was a healthy mix of teenagers whose middle-aged parents and church leaders were anxious to pay forward their passion for global evangelism. John Herring of nearby First Baptist Church of Prosper, said the conference spoke as much to his own teenage children as it did to him as a pastor. His two kids were among the 20 members he brought with him, including deacons, ministry leaders, elders and Sunday School teachers. “The content for me spoke to something that happens in churches—especially for me in my context,” Herring said, referring to a small church’s susceptibility to mission creep. “In the midst of ministry and

all the things we think we need to do, keeping your focus on the main thing shouldn’t be a challenge,” he said, adding, “We know what Jesus told us to do.” Through the SEND conference Herring said he came away not only inspired but equipped for the mission. “The plenary sessions were great, but the breakout sessions were really where I got the tools that I needed as a pastor and a father and a member of my community to do what we’re called to do—to make much of Jesus.” Southern Baptist entity leaders David Platt of the International Mission Board and Kevin Ezell of the North American Mission Board presented the arena crowd of more than 4,000 registrants a biblical mandate to spend their lives making disciples in their neighborhoods and nations around the world. Sixteen-year old Aliza White of Newark was introduced to a missional mindset while be-

ing discipled at the Exchange Church in Keller, an SBTC church plant where Tiffany Smith was asked to be her mentor. Smith, a national mobilizer for NAMB, often asks teenagers to join her at missions training across Texas when it is offered by the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and most recently the SEND Conference that NAMB jointly sponsored with IMB. Attending along with two other teenagers Smith enlisted, White told the TEXAN, “It was truly an amazing, spiritual experience. It challenged me to constantly be on mission and to give my time, treasures, and talents to God for his glory and for the advancement of his kingdom.” Jennifer Grisham of Providence Church in Frisco said she had been thinking and praying about how God would use her in missions wherever she is. “I’m just being hopeful and expectant

John Herring, pastor of First Baptist Church of Prosper, brought 20 members of his church to the mission conference, including his own teenage daughters. PHOTO BY CASEY JONES

about all God has for me as I go through life because missions isn’t an event, it’s a lifestyle.” Describing First Baptist Church of Fannett where he pastors as a very missionminded congregation, Robert Wenner and his wife, Liz, brought three teenagers to the conference. “Over the years we have done a commendable job of learning and supporting missions both at home and abroad,” Wenner said. “For us, SEND is an enormous wakeup call to the opportunity and responsibility to not only pray and give, but to go.”

As one of 24 people who attended the conference from First Baptist Church of Wylie, Debra Tabolka was in on the transition her church made by hiring a mission pastor and sending teams out to serve around the world. With over a third of the membership participating in 18 mission trips this year, Tabolka said that priority was reaffirmed to her as she heard Platt share that “this is what the church is called to do.” “We are listening and keeping the focus, waiting on the next step,” she told the TEXAN. “The weekend was amazing.”

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GRIEVING WIFE, CHILDREN GRATEFUL FOR CARE AND SUPPORT FOLLOWING PASTOR’S DEATH By JC Davies TEXAN Correspondent WACO Over the last year, Courtney McCash has walked through the pain of losing a spouse, but in the midst of her suffering, she has also experienced the love and encouragement of churches across the state. In April, her husband, Jason McCash, passed away, following a 14-month battle with cancer. A former chaplain in the U.S. Army, Jason had served as pastor of Timber Crest Baptist Church in Waco since 2014. During his final months, the McCash family’s time was consumed with medical appointments and hospital stays, as Jason’s health declined. “There was a lot of back and forth to doctors appointments and tests and wondering what’s going on,” Courtney recalls. During this difficult season, Jason, Courtney and the couple’s two children found support not only from friends, loved ones, and their local church, but

also from the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention. Throughout Jason’s illness, Gilbert Chavez, the field ministry strategist serving churches in that area of the state, faithfully walked alongside the McCash family, making visits to their home and offering constant prayer and encouragement. “It’s always nice to know that someone is praying for you, especially with Gilbert. You just know if he says he is praying, then he is. We could feel the prayers being lifted up, and that means a lot,” Courtney said. After Jason’s passing, Chavez and the state convention remained valuable resources for the McCashes, contributing to emergency funds that enabled Courtney to entirely cover the cost of funeral arrangements. “That was amazing,” she said. “I’ve heard so many stories of people that have to pay a fortune and are in debt because of a funeral, and I would hate to have had that. Thankfully, that (financial support) helped us to

be able to go in and pay it and not have to worry about it.” Through the help of Chavez and other SBTC personnel, Courtney also learned that she was eligible to receive death benefits through GuideStone Financial Resources, which partners with the convention’s Pastor/Church Relations department. Over the last three years, this ministry has provided $85,000 to families of SBTC pastors, like the McCashes, during times of need. “The money we received from GuideStone (is) going to allow us to buy a home,” Courtney said. “We’ve lived in parsonages for the last six years, … and I didn’t know what we were going to do. That’s going to allow us to be able to buy a home and not have to worry about finances at this point in time.” Because of these benefits, Courtney said she won’t have to go back to work full-time, giving her the opportunity to be with her children as they continue through the grieving and healing process together.

“That has alleviated a lot of pressure,” she said. Chavez said being able to come alongside Courtney in behalf of the SBTC during the last year has been an honor. “It was a blessing to me to know that we were able to intervene and provide the encouragement of knowing that people are standing with her

and beside her to support her and her family,” he said. The love and support have not gone unnoticed, Courtney said. “It’s been great to have people that you know really care, that go out of their way, even though they’re not in the same city or area; they care and follow up with you and make sure that everything is ok.”

SBTC launches Women’s Prayer Network By JC Davies TEXAN Correspondent GRAPEVINE “Women are going to get together, but when we get together we should really be talking to God,” said Camille Minor, who was recently named head of the new SBTC Women’s Prayer Network. The idea for the initiative was birthed from a desire by prayer strategist Ted Elmore to capitalize on and expand a culture of prayer that he said has always existed among women in the church.

“The women in the churches, historically, currently, are some of the greatest people of prayer in Camille Minor our churches,” Elmore said. “They are the prayer warriors in the home. They are the prayer warriors in the church. They are the ones that are behind the scenes. We need to cooperate with what God is already doing.” The ministry will connect groups of women from church-

es throughout the state and encourage them to meet together regularly to pray. Minor, whose husband is pastor of Anderson Mill Baptist Church in Austin, said she has been privileged throughout her life to learn from the examples of many faithful women who have devoted themselves to prayer. Her hope is to see more and more women connecting over this shared desire to turn to Jesus. “Even though there may be turmoil in our family, our church, or our nation, the Bible says in Luke 18:1 that Jesus told

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a parable to show that in all times they ought to pray and not lose heart,” Minor said. “As women, we’re not to give up or turn to other things for comfort; we’re to persevere in prayer.” The Women’s Prayer Network will focus on praying for the home, the church, pastors, non-believers and the nation. “I want there to be a river of prayer all over Texas, where women are getting together in groups and praying. Maybe it’s once a month, maybe more often.” Aside from fostering deeper relationships with the Lord,

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Minor also believes the network will break down walls and barriers between women in the church. “What I’ve seen in my own life is that meeting with other women to pray has been the one thing that has caused unity,” she said. “We may not agree with everything, but when you get together and you’re praying in the name of Jesus together, there’s a unity and a joy that you can’t really explain any other way.” For more information on the Women’s Prayer Network, visit sbtexas.com/prayer.

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WANT TO HEAR A W.A. CRISWELL SERMON? WEBSITE HAS 4,000 OF THEM WACriswell.com has audio back to ‘53, transcripts back to ‘44 By Michael Foust TEXAN Correspondent DALLAS Legendary pastor W.A. Criswell passed away just as the internet age was beginning to boom and several years before high-speed internet was common. But 15 years after his death, pastors and laypeople around the world can take advantage of modern technology and a free website to listen to and research more than 4,000 sermons by the long-time pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas. The site, WACriswell.com, features audio of his sermons from 1953 to 2001 as well as sermon transcripts dating back to his first year, 1944, as pastor of FBC. All total, the site includes about 1,000 sermons on streaming video and 4,150 sermons on streaming audio, all of which are accompanied with written transcripts. Most of the sermons also include a sermon outline and a PDF of his sermon notes. The site is a ministry of the W.A. Criswell Foundation. Criswell served 50 years as pastor of the church, preaching his first sermon there in 1944 and retiring in 1995, before passing away in 2002. He twice was elected president of the Southern Baptist Convention. His longtime friend, Jack Pogue, led the effort to place all of Criswell’s sermons on the internet. “We get emails from pastors from larger churches who say, ‘I never go to bed on Saturday night until I see what Dr. Criswell has said about the verse I’m going to preach about on the next day,’” Pogue told the TEXAN.

Users of the site can search for sermons by date, verse, topic, sermon series or keywords. “If you ever heard Dr. Criswell preach and you can remember just two words to that sermon, you can pull up that sermon,” Pogue said. The website features some of Criswell’s classic sermons, such as “Whether We Live Or Die,” which he delivered at the SBC annual meeting in 1985, and “The Curse of Liberalism,” which he preached at the SBC meeting in 1988. The site also includes sermon series on entire books: Genesis (195658), Romans (1954-55) and Revelation (1961-63). Pogue was not a Christian when he began attending Criswell’s church in the early 1970s. Criswell’s focus on the Bible immediately had an impact. “Before Dr. Criswell got up to preach on my first Sunday there, he said, ‘I just want to say something. All these years I have been your preacher, I have

preached from the pages of this sacred book. And I promise you, as long as I’m your preacher, every sermon I will ever preach will be from the pages of this Holy Book.’” Up to that point, Pogue had been attending what he calls a liberal church. “When [Criswell] said that about the Bible,” Pogue recalled, “God said in my heart: I want you in this church, under this pastor.” Eventually, Pogue met Criswell, and they became good friends. Criswell died in Pogue’s home. “He would start preaching in his sleep,” Pogue said. “And he would give an invitation in his sleep. He would worry about not having enough counselors to take in the people who were answering the altar call. “I wish my mind was like that, that even when I slept I would dream of Jesus and lost people and the cross.” The sermons are transcribed by professional transcriptionists. Pogue then

proofs the transcripts by listening to the sermons and checking for misspellings and wrong punctuation. Although First Baptist began recording Criswell’s sermons in 1953, some of the early recordings contained static. “They were very, very hard to hear,” Pogue said. “But new technology came around that got a lot of that static out, and you could hear the sermons much better.” Pogue recounted how he once gave a personal tour of the website to Don Wilton, pastor of First Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C., where Billy Graham is a member. Wilton asked Pogue to search for “imputed righteousness,” a topic of Wilton’s upcoming sermon. The search engine found dozens of Criswell sermons on the term. But the website is not just for preachers, Pogue noted. “I want the most uneducated man to be able to listen to Dr. Criswell preach, let him guide him through the Bible and win him to Christ,” Pogue said.

Texan Legacy: Leaving a Legacy for God and Family By Jeffrey Steed Director of Planned Giving Southern Baptists of Texas Foundation

Proverbs 3:9 Honor the Lord with your possessions, And with the firstfruits of all your increase. [NKJV] Faithful Christians understand the importance of tithing to the Lord and giving from their “firstfruits.” They practically apply this instruction through tithing from the “firstfruits” of one’s income to the Lord. Even though tithing is crucial to an obedient and growing relationship with God, stew-

ardship only starts with tithing. Proverbs 3:9 reminds us that we are also responsible for honoring the Lord and being good stewards of all that God has given to us, not just the first 10 percent of our income. Our final testimony or final testament of what we value in life is reflected in our Will with the beneficiaries to whom we want to leave a bequest. At the heart of Proverbs 3:9, I believe that it is honoring to God when we leave a legacy for family and ministry through our Will. Again, it is our final statement of what we value in life. May we leave a legacy for both God and family.

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POINT MEN FOR THE SBTC By Jane Rodgers TEXAN Correspondent GRAPEVINE They have been called “boots on the ground” and the “point men” of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention: 18 field ministry strategists (FMS) spread across 18 state zones who provide support, information, encouragement and resources to pastors and churches. To many, they are the face of the convention. “The field ministry strategist is tasked with building long-term, healthy relationships between the SBTC and pastors and churches and connecting them to the resources of the convention,” said Ted Elmore, SBTC pastor/church relations associate. Elmore, who oversees the FMS program, praised the team: “These men are all self-starters and very good at what they do. Some are retired pastors, some bi-vocational pastors, all with local church experience. They are vital to the mission of the SBTC.” The strategist’s job can be fluid. Needs vary among churches and accelerate in times of crisis. Gilbert Chavez, FMS of the Central Texas zone that encompasses 200 churches from Waco to San Antonio, contacted Pastor Brad McLean of First Baptist New Braunfels when news broke of the April traffic accident claiming the lives of 14 senior adults from the congregation. “I let him know we were praying for them,” Chavez said, explaining that he went to the church to help after the accident, worshiped with the congregation on Sunday, attended most of the 14 funerals and later returned to pray with the staff. “The main thing was to make our presence known as a show of support, and to be available for what the pastor needed,” Chavez said. Glen Pearce, strategist for the North Texas zone from Bonham south to Burle-

son, intended to pursue FMS work after retiring from full-time ministry, but “God opened the door early” to serve the region’s 170 SBTC churches last November. Pearce, pastor of First Baptist in Iowa Park, said he has enjoyed building relationships with church leaders but considers his work with the region’s six pastorless churches significant. “I’ve been involved with some of the training of search committees,” Pearce said, explaining that he makes available SBTC resources to facilitate such searches. When the 46-year-old pastor of First Baptist Church in Lillian died unexpectedly in early May, Pearce stepped in to help the congregation navigate the loss. “I have tried to help them walk through the struggle and grief and helped them make adjustments: what to do, how to minister to the widow. The church is grieving just like the family. Part of my job is to connect them to people in the state convention who can help,” Pearce said. Alex Gonzales, pastor of Hickory Tree Baptist Church in Balch Springs and strategist for the zone that covers more than 250 SBTC churches in the Dallas area, considers encouraging his fellow pastors paramount. “My job is to try to have face time with the pastors at least once a year,” said Gonzales, at 43 the youngest FMS, who assumed the job in 2014. Gonzales said he finds satisfaction in helping pastors by offering “the comfort” of a “likeminded pastor who lends an ear and who can relate.” “We exist for the churches,” Gonzales said, adding that he informs fellow pastors about the “depth of resources” available through the SBTC. Like Gonzales, Wayne Livingston, strategist for what he calls the “Near East Texas” zone, felt called to minister to pastors. “I’ve been there. I do understand,” Livingston said.

At times natural disasters such as the spring tornadoes that hit Van Zandt, Rains and Henderson counties require a quick FMS response. Livingston recalled texting Pastor Mark Robinson of Canton’s Crossroads Church on Saturday, April 29, when the first of four tornadoes swept through. “Mark said, ‘Gotta go, there’s a tornado by my house!’” With his location in the area, Livingston became the first line of the SBTC’s response to the emergency, conveying raw data and helping find a headquarters for the SBTC DR effort, which Crossroads Church hosted. While most strategists communicate via email and texts, retired pastor Bill Collier, who covers 170 SBTC churches stretching from Conroe to the Golden Triangle in Southeast Texas, called himself “old school.” “There’s something about when you sit down that you make a connection. Even with a phone message, you hear a voice,” Collier said.

Collier said he also becomes acquainted with office staff and other church personnel and ministers. “Most of what we do is legwork, making the visits,” Collier said. “We are always trying to be an encouragement, reminding pastors of things going on in the state convention,” he said, adding that strategists also encourage participation in SBTC events. “The strength of the convention comes from the local churches and active participants. Bottom line, it’s all about the kingdom and what we can do in evangelism and discipleship,” Collier said. Gilbert Chavez summed up the work of the FMS: “Three things we do: pray for our pastors and churches, encourage them, and connect them with those in our convention to help with a particular ministry need such as deacon training, Sunday school training, finances or building programs. “We let them know they are not alone.”

Vision tour opens pastors’ eyes to church planting need in Houston By Keith Collier Managing Editor HOUSTON From the inner city to the suburbs, low-income to affluent neighborhoods, about a half dozen pastors and local Baptist association leaders circumnavigated the nation’s most diverse city during the first Reach Houston vision tour, June 5-7. Reach Houston is an intentional focus of the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention in the areas of church planting and church revitalization. Ben Hays, pastor of Church in the Center in Houston, serves as the Reach Houston strategist and organized the vision tour to give churches a glimpse at the many ways they can partner with and support Houston churches and church plants. Hays introduced the pastors and leaders to church planters throughout the city, which allowed each planter to share his calling and vision to reach his specific community. Additionally, planters offered ways churches around the state, regardless of their size, could work alongside them in areas such as evangelism, prayer support, resources and manpower.

Many on the vision tour described it as an “eye-opening experience,” including Shane Norcross, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in Mexia. “I have a whole new appreciation for the difficult task that each of these church planters face,” Norcross said. “I look forward to partnering with Reach Houston.” Justin Colquette, pastor of First Baptist Church in Wortham, said he was initially reluctant to go on the vision tour but saw things differently by the end of trip. “I usually try to stay away from large cities as much as possible, but this trip has opened my eyes to the great need

for church planters and for established churches to help them in that process. I never realized how diverse Houston was and probably never would have had we not spent the time visiting areas all over Houston. My eyes have been opened to an entirely new way of thinking about missions and in particular church planting.” Similarly, Brian Givens, pastor of First Baptist Church in Colmesneil, noted that he often makes the two-hour trip to Houston to visit church members in the hospital but will never see the city in the same way as before. “During those trips I would often look at the traffic and skyline and think, ‘what a headache’ and could not wait to return to my quiet little town. But my views have changed; I now see darkness, lostness and a great need for holding a light up in the midst of all this for the glory of Christ Jesus. I used to get a headache, now I feel a heartache of burden for praying and reaching this city.” Stephen Chen, pastor of Beaumont Chinese Church, said the vision tour was a moving experience that challenged him in his own gospel ministry back home.

“Indeed the harvest is great and the workers are few,” Chen said. “This tour reminded me to work harder to win souls for our Lord.” In addition to pastors, leaders from Tryon Evergreen Baptist Association, which covers the northeast part of Houston, also experienced the vision tour. “The Reach Houston vision tour provided a clear and compelling understanding of the need for churches to become part of God’s work in the greater Houston area,” Executive Director Roger Yancey said. He encourages all churches to consider participating in future vision tours. “The church planters you will meet will elevate your understanding of the needs that are being responded to and the lives changed by these new church plants. The Reach Houston vision tour is well worth the investment of your time and resources.” Find out more about Reach Houston and how your church can be involved at sbtexas.com/reach-houston or contact Ben Hays at [email protected].